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Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been the victim of unfair, agenda-driven criticism this season, according to one of the Premier League's most experienced goalkeepers.

Mark Schwarzer made more than 500 appearances for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester, as well as winning over 100 caps for Australia.

And in an impassioned column for the Daily Mail , the goalkeeper-turned-pundit has come out in support of Reds shot-stopper Mignolet , whom he feels has been "this season's whipping boy" in the media.

Mignolet has found himself under fire in recent weeks, particularly after a costly error against Arsenal last month. The Belgian has seemingly been displaced as Liverpool's No.1 by Loris Karius - himself a victim of much criticism at Anfield - though he was back in goal for Saturday's FA Cup defeat to West Brom.

He didn't cover himself in glory there - rooted to his line for a goal which was eventually ruled out by the video assistant referee, and beaten by Craig Dawson in the air for another disallowed goal - but Schwarzer has questioned those who are quick to point the finger.

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He wrote: "I have found that if one person says something about a keeper, the others tend to agree rather than challenge. The tendency is to go with the opinion on the table rather than form their own.

"Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet has been this season’s whipping boy. He has made mistakes — just as I did numerous times during my 22-year career. But a lot of the time he is unfairly criticised.

"People do not recognise when he plays well because it does not fit the story. When Liverpool were very close to winning the league in 2013-14, Mignolet was a key man. Now people are jumping on the bandwagon and, instead of analysing the goals that Liverpool concede, the stock comment is that they will never win the title because he is not good enough.

"That is unfair. You expect it from people on social media, but not former players."

Liverpool 2-3 West Brom

"Too often, the viewer would switch off the TV thinking (David) De Gea was the best in the world and Mignolet the worst. Neither is true.

"I can see why both Liverpool keepers — Mignolet and Loris Karius — have been miffed at their treatment. Criticism is something you accept and expect as a goalkeeper, it is the nature of the role, but not when it is vicious, disrespectful and has an agenda.

"Particularly when it is from former players you know would not have been able to handle that kind of criticism themselves."